Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 124
1. Violation of the NASW Code of Ethics. 2. Inability to function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems in which the student will practice.
3. Failure to fulfill obligations to the Social Work department, field agency, or client( i. e., completion of required hours, coming to class or agency in a timely manner, adhering to dress code, meeting deadlines, completion of goals and referrals for client). 4. Illegal or criminal behavior or record which would preclude social work certification or licensing. 5. Inability to demonstrate effective use of interpersonal skills necessary for developing a solid worker / client or worker / peer relationship( i. e., attitude free of judgment, communicate with respect, allowing self-determination, empathy).
6. Personal issues which inhibit one’ s ability to meet performance standards( i. e., alcohol or chemical dependence, inability to cope with stress and / or problems of daily living, actions or lack of action that would put another person in danger). 7. Failure to demonstrate professional conduct that shows respect for human diversity. 8. Failure to maintain professional boundaries( i. e., over-identification, exploitation of client, sexual relations, extreme self-disclosure). 9. Failure to engage in self-evaluation and inability to accept constructive feedback and supervision. 10. Inability to express thoughts in written and / or oral form.
Final authority regarding continuance in the program rests with the Program Director in consultation with the Dean of the College and other necessary individuals. A dismissal decision is serious and may have a profound effect on a person’ s future career; therefore, allegations and unverified circumstances will not weigh into the dismissal decision. A student may initiate a grievance procedure if there is dissatisfaction with the dismissal decision.
Course Withdrawal Policies: Same as the University.
Experiential Learning: Courses in the BSW program include shadowing experiences and field research in the sophomore and junior year and a 400-hour field experience in the senior year. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from off-campus experiential learning opportunities.
Non-Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention
Compliance Requirements and Clearances: Students in the BSW program are expected to obtain Child Abuse and Criminal Record clearances prior to beginning field instruction in the senior year. Students are expected to have clean records, unless given permission by the Program Director and Director of Field Education.
Professional Disposition and Conduct: The BSW program adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics. Students, faculty, and field placements are expected to practice ethically as determined by the Code of Ethics. The BSW program also has a list of expected behaviors and reasons for dismissal included in the program handbook.
Technology Requirements: Students should have a computer with access to Wi-Fi.